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“You can always count on me.”
“Are you busy this afternoon?”
“Not really, why?”
“Well, I was just thinking that once I get that coat of varnish on that I will have the rest of the day free. You don’t need me at the pub today right, Keefe?”
Keefe called back over his shoulder from the stove. “No, not at all. If anything, you would be in the way. The crew is working all over the place now and making great progress. I’ll only be there myself to make sure they're properly fed.”
Sophie turned her attention back to Liam. “I was thinking maybe we could spend some time together? You could take me on that walk and show me the view behind your house.”
Liam smiled over the rim of his coffee cup. Sophie really was coming around. “That would be nice.”
“Then it’s a date.”
“It’s a date.” Before he got lost in this blissful moment, Liam changed the subject. “So, how are the renovations going?”
Keefe turned around with two full plates of food in his hands and placed them in front of Sophie and Liam. They were works of art, of course. Liam didn’t know how to simply bang out pancakes, eggs, and home fries. He had to take it to the next level and garnish the eggs with scallions, colored bell pepper rings, and fancy dollops of cream cheese. “So far, so good. The new electrics are nearly finished, the chimney repaired, the dining room is practically finished, and the kitchen won’t be far behind. We are in good shape to open in time for spring.”
“If you ever need any help, I’d be happy to lend a hand.”
“Thanks, Liam.” Keefe had eaten while he was cooking so he was all set to head out the door. “Okay, that’s me off. Soph, I’ll see you when I see you.”
Sophie had a mouthful of food so she waved and nodded with a smile.
Liam waved goodbye to Keefe after thanking him for breakfast then waited until he heard the click of the door to talk more with Sophie. “I hope you aren’t rushing the refinishing job because you think I need my space.”
“No, I’m not. If anything, I’m being too careful with this job and have taken longer than I should have.” She took a sip of coffee, then placed her cup down. “And I might have enjoyed seeing you all the time.”
“You had a funny way of showing it seeing as you avoided me like the plague.”
“True but in order to avoid you, I actually had to see you more than I would have if I’d just gone about my business.” She laughed at her own stupidity.
“So, you were spying on me? Soph that’s called stalking. That’s a punishable offense. I feel quite violated thank you very much.”
Sophie listened to his dramatic speech with little enthusiasm. When he finished, she waited a beat, and took a bite of pancake before flatly saying, “You wish.”
Liam threw his head back laughing. “That’s my Sophie. God, I’ve missed you.”
“Me too.”
* * *
Sophie knocked on Liam’s front door and heard him call out to come inside. “It’s only me,” she said back.
“It’s always been only you,” Liam said as he met her at the door. “Sorry, was that cheesy?”
“A little, but I liked it.” She smiled up at him. “I’m done out there for the day. Are you still up for a walk? It’s a nice day outside.”
“Of course, I was just making tea though. I’ll turn off the kettle. Unless you would like a cup first?”
“Maybe later.” Sophie waited at the door with her hands inside her pockets and looked around admiring Liam’s home. It really was very comfortable and inviting.
“All set,” Liam said after putting his boots and coat on. “You’ll want this.” Liam pulled a navy blue wool cap out from his coat pocket and handed it to her.
It wasn’t all that cold outside but Sophie found his concern thoughtful so she put the hat on. “How do I look?” Liam smiled and tugged it down over her ears. As they stepped outside and rounded the house she asked, “So, what are you going to show me?”
He looked at her with a mischievous smile and simply replied, “You’ll see.”
